Kyoko and I are against any form of violence against any form of life, even if it is presented by a fugly, poisonous spider. That´s why I originally didn´t want to take part in this contest. On the other hand, there must be a way of drawing a topic like that, even if you are against violence and mistreatment of life. So I considered this a challenge and I found a way of making it acceptable for my personal attitude.

As I am somehow intruiged by the subject in a different direction, there will be another picture that covers my personal fetish with slime and naked feet. I have already drawn it - only needs color

I actually had a few questions about 'cruelty and killing' Well if people paid attention to the rules...which SO MANY are not they would see that I NEVER SAID ANYTHING about killing or being cruel! Some are actually 'squishing' objects rather than creatures and that works out just fine.

Anyway I'm so pleased to see an artist take the rules and conditions and use them so effectively.

And you are entry #5 so far. If I get 15 more I'll be increasing the prize lot!

Thank you very much ^^ I am not in it for the money; the challenge of the subject is more important to me - although I wouldn't complain. It's Christmas soon : D

You shouldn't worry - you made your point very clear in the rules and everyone capable of reading should see the point, what this is about. Of course you might have to cope with people simplymtoo stupid to understand, that this is about a fetish. A fantasy. Which could even contain magic or super-natural. If people decide to draw death, fine. But they don't have to. So no reason to complain.

In my opinion, Kyoko squishes a real spider and kills it. But it doesn't happen deliberately. I felt terrible, when hitting a bird with my wind screen while driving the other day, killing the poor thing. I stopped, but it was effectively dead. Kyoko didn't plan to kill the spider and planning first aid shows, that she does care and respect life. That allows me to be able to find this picture funny ^^ thanks for that opportunity. Also your idea allowed me to draw that snail-slime pic that you will HATE, because it shows Kyoko's toes

I haven't gotten any stupid people yet, pretty much everyone that is participating seems to be okay with it one way or the other so I'm not too worried about a backlash, its not like I'm hiding this theme from people but I do encourage everyone to at least try and participate.

I don't want to make people feel uncomfortable, this contest is just a REALLY good way for me to find artists that get me and I'll commission in the future. That and I've always wanted to try a competition out like this.

Yes, you are very clever with that contest. A far better way than to commission people, waiting, paying, having trouble... This way you can set the crit, spend $50,- altogether on prizes and get lots of pics covering your fetish. Brilliantly plotted ^^ and everyone is happy.

well we will see if it goes according to plan. Right now 5 entries is pretty great for this just being up for about a week, I'm actually shocked at the amount of positive responses I've had with people. I was expecting a lot of people declining but it seems like I'll have 20 entries sooner rather than later.

Although I've had about 4 entries that have NOTHING AT ALL to do with the contest , I think it was my teacher in grade 3 that said it best on my report card home "your son participates in class frequently but DOES NOT LISTEN TO INSTRUCTIONS!" I'm all for artist interpretation but at least follow the basics!

For the most part I've been commenting on people that are looking for people to commission them or people that have been entering in contests and sending them a comment or note so they at least look at the rules, then I just let them make their own decisions.

It's really hard to not commission anyone during this time though, there are a lot of really good artists out there, yourself included.

You think I am good enough for commissions in this direction? Wow, thanks! Compliments work pretty well on me, you know

To say a few words of excuse on behalf of other entries: I did what you suggested: DA-searched for entries with your name in it. It looked, as if people simply draw characters and then add a little puddle or remains of a creature, where one of the feet are - to imply, that some squishing did happen. But that could be simply a lack of skill and you said it yourself: only 30% are about skill. 70% are on other criteria. But you are right: they should at least read the rules ^^

I am sure, that this great contest-idea will get you lots of cool material - and if not something that is exactly as you want it, it might inspire you to a certain drawing that you then can commission to an artist of your choice. Some of the ones who said they would take part do pretty good work usually - although most of them are working digitally, which I consider as cheating

By the way: wouldn´t this contest be your cup of tea? $30,- first prize! $60,- if more than 20 people enter until January and it´s five in the first two days already. You could do such a drawing with both hands tied behind your back!